Bible Course on ‘Miracles of Jesus’ held at St. Michael’s Church, Taleigao
Diocesan Centre for Biblical Apostolate, Goa and Daman (DCBA) organised a Bible Course on ‘Miracles of Jesus.’ The course ran through 10 sessions from July 2022 to April 2023 and concluded with a thanksgiving mass and Diploma Certificates distribution held on 4th June 2023. The main celebrant was Fr. Mariano D’Costa (Director of DCBA) and the concelebrant were Fr. Cipriano da Silva (Parish Priest), Fr. Haston Fernandes (Asst. Parish Priest), Fr. Dominic D’Costa and Fr. Britto Furtado (Priests on the Staff).
The Bible Course was well planned. The sessions included introduction to Gospels, definition, categories and structure of miracles. The course also dealt with the medical knowledge at the time of Jesus, background to miracles of Jesus, preceding events and the purpose of miracles in the life and mission of Jesus. The course also explored some of the miracles in detail and interpreted them to the participants. The Course was made relevant to us in our time by the parallels drawn between then and now. It was not just presented as a Biblical event of the past but as a meaningful act of love, mercy and compassion. After each session some spiritually ‘takeaways’ for our transformation were also given. The ‘takeaways’ were like icing on the cake, more action oriented which helped us to blend our faith and actions.
Altogether 64 parishioners participated and successfully completed the course. Out of 64 participants there were 22 teenagers, some of them were confirmation candidates who received their Sacrament of Confirmation on 17th May 2023. All 64 participants were awarded a Diploma Certificate. For the 22 teenagers along with the Diploma Certificate a book on Blessed Carlo Acutis was also presented as an added boost to their faith. After the thanksgiving mass there was fellowship and a short Biblical programme depicting miracles and Christian values. On behalf of all the participants Mrs. Albertina Viegas expressed the words of gratitude to Fr. Cipriano for taking the initiative to organise the Bible Course for them, Fr. Joephil Dias (ex-Asst. Parish Priest) for helping in execution of the course and Fr. Mariano for conducting the course. Fr. Cipriano also articulated his words of gratitude to Fr. Mariano and appreciated the participants. Fr. Mariano too expressed his gratitude to Fr. Cipriano and all those who were closely involved in organising the course especially Ms. Jennifer Ferrao (Office Assistant), Mr. Anthony Raj (Sacristan) and Mr. Wellington Monteiro for his technical assistance. He congratulated and appreciated the participants for their dedication to the Bible Course. The programme was proficiently anchored by Ms. Gracelyn Xavier and the moments were ably captured with his photographic skills by Mr. Alvaro Ferrao. This is the third Bible Course in row held at St. Michael’s Church, Taleigao.
Mrs. Glenda Araujo
Biblical Animator, Taleigao